You’ve heard it before: “Writing is a solitary endeavor.” Yes, that’s true. The responsibility for getting the words on the page rests on the writer’s shoulders. And yet, we don’t have to be Lone Rangers. In fact, if you think about it, the Lone Ranger wasn’t alone! He had Tonto. And a whole network of sheriffs and people that he’d helped, all of whom supported and were rooting for him.
Anyone who has ever been involved in sports know the power of cheerleaders and coaches. Of the folks who stand beside us, people who can guide and goad us. Give us a kick in the pants when we let ourselves give in to defeat. Put an arm around our shoulders when things get ugly. Hoist a celebratory cuppa (of coffee) when things go well.
Writers, we need a “team.”
In the next few posts, I’m going to talk about some of the partners you should consider having on your team. I’m not talking about publishers or in-house editors, thought clearly they’re important team members if you’re contracted with a publisher. Rather, I’m talking about folks who walk the path with you from the beginning…or from where you are right now, including an advisory board, accountability partners, and freelance editors. But first, I want to know your thoughts.
Do you have a “team” working with you? If you don’t already have a team, what’s holding you back? Who would you like to have on your team? If you have a team, what works well and what benefits have you seen from their involvement in your work?
I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
My team is a list of mentors and my paid editor. Sometimes the interaction of ACFW loop writers though I’ve weeded that back substantially over 6 months ago when spending too much time in the op-ed mode. It takes real work and discipline for me to stay focused on writing the WIP, editing and working towards being published. I have a few for whom I cam be honest, share fears/concerns, ask questions and find encouragement if not be encouragement to them in return. It may be a team but in reality it is a circle of friends. I will look forward to more posts from you Karen on the subject.
I have a team:
A Semi-Professional Photographer: we are teaming up to promote each other.
A critique group of six people who tell me honestly where my work needs improvement.
A small but growing fan club–one woman is especially enthusiastic about my work and is sharing it in every way possible–I thank the LORD for her every day.
Some published authors who give me guidance. I promote their work in exchange. I don’t ask questions too often, though; I try to find the answers on my own.
An amateur Christian musician: We are teaming up to promote each other also.
My husband–he is surprisingly a good editor and gives great critique.
Some friends I’ve met through their blogs. I am working to have us guest post on each other’s blogs. My latest guest blog endeavor really helped both of us and is still getting views.
A couple of other friends who own businesses. I am going to write about their businesses on my blog, and they are going to promote me on their websites.
I am looking forward to learning how to further build my team and how to make it work so that I can get published. Thank you so much for writing about this!